Did you miss me

I often wonder if my cats miss me (and my husband) when we are gone for extended periods of time.

We recently took a short vacation to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and, of course, left Clio and Mack behind. They had a wonderful pet sitter who stayed at our place while we were away - my step daughter, Nicole. She made sure their food bowl was full, that they got attention, and above all, Mack received his daily medication.

rcoveyHere I am cutting one of the many trees we took down over the 4th of July weekend.

I had no reason to worry or fret about the cats while we were cutting down dead spruce trees on our five acres in Kasilof (a tiny little town 12 miles from Soldotna - which is near Kenai). Our vacation plan was to clear trees for a 20 foot wide by about 500 foot long driveway. It was hard, dirty work but very satisfying to be doing something with that land. I had 22 moose sightings and saw 2 bald eagles. Luckily no bear!

I did miss my cats, especially since my in-laws don't have pets and Shasta had gone off with her owners, my sister and brother-in-law. There was no furry ones to snuggle with on the couch as I eased my aching body down to rest. Were my cats on the couch at home wishing for pets and snuggles of their own? Did they miss me, I wondered? They had everything they needed and were getting daily attention from Nicole.

I don't think cats really understand the passage of time. I know they understand routine and habit - maybe that is why it seems they can tell time, however, I will grant that they are probably not aware enough to know much more than that. If they did they might not sleep so much for fear of missing out on something exciting.

Whether they missed me or not, they do seem glad to see me whenever I come home. Their behavior is normal, their antics the same including the midnight yowlings with 'the' toy. I like to think they miss my company and attention. So I will.